Breast self examination

^{This is the act of examining the}^breast^{by oneself
(self palpation ) to check for change in
the break such as lumps, thickening that may signal}^cancer^{. The few
moments spent on this activity may mean the difference between life and death
or comfort and extreme suffering for women.variation in breast tissues occurs
during the}^{menstrual
cycle, pregnanacy and menopause}^{.therefore,
normal changes must be distinguished from those that may signal disase.}

^{Most women notice increased renderness and lumpiness before
their mentrural period , therefore, breast self
examination is best performed after mense (day 5 to 7 counting the first
day of menses as day 1). The is for}^{pre-menopausal}^{women, it is done once month. One pick a particular date that one remembers.}

^Procedure

^{Before
a mirror}

^{Step 1}

^{Begin by looking at your}^breast
in^{the mirror, your hands raised head. Look for changes in the contour of each breast as well
as swelling, dimpling of the skin and changes in the nipple (whether inverted
i.e pused inward instead of sticking out).}

^{Step 2}

^{Still before a mirror,placing your palms on your hip, look
for some changes.}

^{Step 3}

^{This can be done before a mirror and in the shower. While in the shower is preferred
because many women find that the easiest way to feel their}^breast^{is wet and
slippery. Check for lump or thickening using the pad of the fingers.use right
hand to examine left breast and vice versa. Start 12 oclock(center of the breast) and move
towards 1 oclock in a}^{small
circular motion}^{. Continue around the entire circle until you
reach 12 oclock again. Then move one inch towards the nipple and complete
another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you have the
entire}^breast^{.
Make sure to feel the upper outer area
that extends into your armpit. Gently squeeze the nipples and look for any
discharge from them.}

^{Step 4}

^{To examine the right breast, place a pillow or folded pillow
under the right shoulder and lay your right hand on your forehead. This makes
the breast tissue to evenly distribute, palpate, as above.}

^{Step 5}

^{Still lying down, gently squeeze the nippleof each breast check for any discharge, clear, or bloody.}

^{Report any discharge seen to the doctor or health personel for adequate
management}